I am beyond excited to share with Haute Mess readers that after nearly a year of full-time freelance-based work, I will finally be joining the corporate world!

While I enjoyed freelancing a ton because it allowed me so many opportunities to network and travel while on the job, I am so thankful to be joining a business that provides me with more mobility in my career.

This, of course, means that I’ll need to step up my office style! My new office is casual (meaning I’ll still get to express my personal style and be somewhat creative while getting dressed), but I still believe it’s best to look polished while at work.

Enjoy these Polyvore sets I put together (can you tell I’ve been on a huge Polyvore kick lately?), and let me know what your go-to outfits for the office are in the comments down below! Xx

Step 1: Prep the skin by applying Pore Refiner Primer evenly to the t-zone, working towards the outer perimeter of the face. Apply Balm Dotcom to the lips.

Step 2: Using the same technique used to apply Mattifying Gel Moisturizer, apply a light layer of BB Cream. If necessary, apply an additional layer where more coverage is needed.

Step 3: Conceal the under eyes, blemishes and redness with Stretch Concealer using the ring finger.

Step 4: Set the entire face with Wowder, focusing on the t-zone and under-eye areas. Finish with a generous amount of setting spray and allow to dry. Blend by pressing into the skin with a dry or damp makeup sponge.

Step 5: Apply a little Primer Potion to the eye area.

Step 6: Set the primer with a matte bone-colored powder shadow on a fluffy blending brush. I used ColourPop’s Full-Zip.

Step 7: With the same fluffy blending brush, define the crease with Gimme Gorgeous. Blend upward and outwards for blown-out, cat-like effect.

Step 8: Take Saddle on a smaller crease brush, and define the outer corner of the crease, as well as the outer “V” of the eye. Use the same fluffy brush from Steps 6 and 7 to blend.

Step 9: Use the ring finger to pat Rum onto the eyelid. Blend with the fluffy brush from Steps 6 and 7 if necessary.

Step 10: Clean and define the eye area by sweeping the matte bone-colored shadow (Full-Zip) onto the brow bone with a dome brush.

Step 11: With the same fluffy brush from Steps 6 and 7, apply a little Gimme Gorgeous to the lower lash line.

Step 12: Drag Saddle along the outer half of the lower lash line. Keep this shadow tighter to the lower lash line than Gimme Gorgeous.

Step 14: Carve out the cheekbones with Mocha by applying it directly to the skin. Begin application from the upper corner of the ear, working downwards diagonally. Then, tap with the fingers to blend.

Step 15: Continue to apply Mocha to the temples and under the center of the lip for a subtle plumping effect, and continue tapping with the fingers to blend.

Step 16: Buff Capri Coast over Mocha with a fluffy face brush.

Step 17: To brighten up the face, add a little Seduce to the apples of the cheeks. Tap with the fingers to blend, then lightly dust Seduce on top.

Step 18: In a “C” shape along the orbital eye bone to the cheekbone, apply Off Tropic with a setting brush, then tap along the edges with the fingers to blend.

Step 19: Use a fan brush to apply Off Tropic to the bridge and tip of the nose, as well as the cupid’s bow.

Step 20: With the pinky finger, apply Let Me Explain to the inner corner of the eye.

Step 21: Beginning in the center of each brow and working towards the inner and outer corners, apply Boy Brow in an upward motion. Add a second coat for a more dramatic look.

Step 22: Finish with more setting spray.

Step 23: After combing and curling the lashes, apply two coats of mascara to both the top and bottom lashes.

Step 24: Apply two even coats of Melted Chihuahua to the lips. Be sure to angle to the applicator so that you line your lips neatly with the product.

Happy Valentine’s Day, loves! I hope everyone’s day was filled with peace and love.

I’m feeling super inspired tonight, so I put together a few last-minute Valentine-inspired Polyvore sets; they also include some trends I’m loving for spring, as well as a few of some of my tried and true transition pieces. Enjoy! Xx

I am so excited to be nominated by the lovely Kellie of Conscious Kitten for the Sunshine Blogger Awards! The Sunshine Blogger Awards focuses on bloggers who promote happy and creative lives.

Kellie’s chic minimalist style, her passion for conscious fashion (and animals, hence her blog’s name!), as well as her dedication are qualities we should all admire. Be sure to check out her Q & A here, and scroll through her IG (@kelliehayden) for some serious inspo (you’ll want to add her wedding photos to your Pinterest board immediately)!

Before I get into the Q & A portion of this post, I want to share with you my 11 nominees; bloggers who inspire me every day to be a more dedicated and creative version of myself.

My Q & A:

Huge thank-you to Kellie for these great questions! I had so much fun answering them.

Why did you decide to start blogging?

I decided to start blogging so I could have a platform to share my work (I studied journalism in college). But it quickly became a place for me to express my creativity, as well as my personal style and other interests.

What are your tips for promoting your blog?

Be genuine! I listed this one first because it’s the most important in my opinion! And I think it comes from having respect for your readers, as well as other bloggers. It’s obviously really disrespectful to copy another blogger’s hard work, but a lot of bloggers (or aspiring bloggers) fail to realize being genuine is a form of respect towards your readers or potential readers, as well. Most readers are smart enough to realize when a blogger is promoting something just for money or for clout. So in that way it is pretty insulting for the blogger to be out there promoting things and expecting their readers to believe they genuinely love it. Don’t promote anything you don’t truly love. Be picky with the brands with whom you choose to work.

Work hard & invest time in your blog! If blogging were easy, everyone who tried it would be successful! But, there are so many aspiring bloggers who gave up on their work when they found out firsthand how difficult and time-consuming it can be. I believe it’s worth the struggle and the time, so invest your effort in taking quality photos/videos, writing, proofreading and editing, as well as posting consistently. Don’t forget to promote your posts on social media once they go live, and take the time to support your fellow bloggers, too! Which brings me to my third point…

Engage! Show your support for the bloggers and brands *you* love by commenting on their posts and telling them what you love about them! Remember that it’s so important to be genuine here, too; I can’t stand when someone–especially someone who doesn’t even follow me or engage with me regularly–comments a generic “great!” or “cool!” on my posts. It’s even worse when they add a “check out my blog” or “check out my page” to it. I delete those right away. Always, always, always be sure that by engaging with others, you’re adding something meaningful to the conversation. Don’t be selfish. Also, hashtags!

What is your favorite piece of clothing that you own/have owned? Why?

This one is so tough! I would have to say the old pair of Levi’s cut-offs that were my mom’s. They’re always the first pair of shorts I gravitate towards when spring comes around because they’re so comfortable and look great with everything.

What is your favorite book and why?

My favorite book is actually one I just finished called Startup. It’s relatable, funny and smart. Learn more by checking out my post here!

What is a cause that’s important to you?

I’ve always loved Feeding America, a non-profit that provides healthy groceries to those in need in the U.S. I also come from a strong military family; my grandpa was in the Navy and my great-grandpa was in the Army, so of course, supporting our troops and veterans is a cause close to my heart.

A cause that’s gotten my attention more recently is educating women and girls and preparing them for careers in STEM, business and law. I really love Girls Who Code, and wish something like that existed when I was growing up. Helping women find their places in the economy and find fulfillment through their work and their careers.

What is something you’ve dreamed about doing, but have yet to do?

I would *loove* to spend a year in Australia, and while I’m on that side of the world, would also love to see other places like Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.

What do you like the most about yourself?

I like that I am a quiet person. I can’t stand being around people who are loud for no reason.

Head-to-toe red has been such a hot look for a few months now, and I have been all about it.

Whether it’s an all-red outfit, or red paired with pink (à la a bottle of Glossier You) or neutrals, I cannot get enough of this classic color.

For this editorial-style look, I paired a mesh bodysuit with vegan leather lace-up pants–both in a bright, classic red.

The bodysuit has a high mock neck and extra long sleeves, while the pants are adorned with a zipper at each hip, featuring silver hardware. I added a black lace bra underneath for some coverage and contrast.

I am super into plaid miniskirts and other uniform- or office-inspired pieces this season. I’ve always loved the tailored look, and now that style back in full-force for 2018 after a few years of relaxed “athleisure” looks being the norm.

So, I also styled the bodysuit with a plaid mini I thrifted earlier this month. Ever since Reformation debuted a gorgeous range of school girl-inspired plaid miniskirts a while back, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect one for my petite frame at a more affordable price.

Though I love wearing heels, without them I’m 5’3″ and about 110 pounds, so miniskirts tend to be both too long on me and too baggy at the waist (even with shoes). So, shopping for them is extremely hit-or-miss. Not to mention, there are so many plaids out there, finding the right color combo in my size is tough.

I finally found this one, and it fit like I glove! The muted brown tones were just what I was looking for in terms of color, and the thin, brick red stripes accent it perfectly; I can’t get enough!

It is still freezing where I like in northern New Jersey, so I paired the bodysuit and miniskirt with an oversized vegan leather jacket and thick brown stockings for a streamlined look. I also added my go-to black booties for a little height, which tied in with the black lace bra and vegan leather jacket perfectly.

Going along with the tailored theme, I decided to bring my absolute favorite shorts into the mix. I bought this pair about six or seven (maybe eight?) years ago from American Apparel’s California Select line, and have been so in love ever since. There are endless ways to style them, and they’re just such a classic. The color, the cut, everything about them is fabulous.

To make them look a little more laid-back, I paired them with a floral cropped top from Rat & Boa. This boho-inspired piece is absolutely gorgeous; the color palette couldn’t be better, the material is amazing, aaand it even has ultra-femme bell sleeves (which I love). Plus, the tie front makes it ideal for showing off all my fav bralettes.

I completed the look with a pair of lace stockings and, once again, my black booties and black bra from the previous two looks–and I am so happy with how it turned out. Mixing prints and textures is the best way to spice up old and tired pieces, and it’s a great way to bringing boho looks into the colder months.